Saturday, November 6, 2010

Exhort One Another

Today's reading: Hebrews 3-4

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called "today," so that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3: 13 NRSV

I used to think the word "exhort" was something negative, as though you would only exhort someone with whom you dissagreed. Thus, this verse would read: Make sure you criticize and correct your brothers and sisters in Christ everyday so that no one sins! Pretty harsh, isn't it?

However, when I was leading a class on Spiritual Gifts, I learned that the gift of exhortation means to have the supernatural ability to encourage others. These are the Christians you know who always have something complimentary to say to you (whether you are able to accept this is another story). Those with the gift of exhortation will always remember your birthday and anniversary, with a card or special acknowledgment. These are the people you like to have in your cheering section because they will be behind you every step of the way.

So if the word exhort means to encourage, what this verse is saying is: Take time each day to encourage one another in the faith so that no one will become jaded or disappointed.

Now that we know what this verse says, let's take some time today to give at least one Christian we know words of encouragement.

A prayer for you:
God, I thank you for each person reading this devotional. Each one is special to you and I pray that today's message may encourage each of them to encourage someone else this every day. In Jesus' name. Amen.